Shoe Boxes of Kindness 2022

Every kid deserves to have Christmas.

I have been with my little (through Big Brother Big Sister) for about 8 years now. Every year we set out to ensure as many kids as possible wake up Christmas morning with a smile. It all started with a friend. He told me the story about her and it broke my heart. Living with extended family here in the Newport/Cincinnati area, her and her brother would not have Christmas. Simply put, her family couldn’t afford it. After telling me about his friend, that is when he said "Mr Craig, every kid deserves Christmas". At that moment I turned to Will and said, what if we did something bigger? What if we helped more than just your friend? Well, we did! 2019 we provided 115 shoe boxes. In 2020 with COVID working against us, our community came together to meet the challenge and built 260 shoeboxes! Last year, we crushed it raising over $4,500 & packed 391 shoe boxes!

With inflation the past year, there are even more kids out there that need just a mustard see of hope. You see, there are many kids at Newport KY high school alone that are considered homeless. To me, this is heart wrenching. Through contacting the Brighton Center in Newport (local shelter) I found out that in over 1,000 families which included 1,640 CHILDREN participated in their annual Holiday Drive. 1,600+ kids that may not have a Christmas in 2022. Every kid deserves a Christmas right?

Faith. That is what this cause is all about. Giving kids all over the Newport/Cincinnati area a mustard seed of faith. We all take faith for granted however many kids out there grow up without it. Without faith in their family. Without faith in their position in life. Without faith in the love of Christ. Most importantly without faith in themselves. You see all these kids need is a mustard seed. A mustard seed of kindness which can overtake their hearts and provide much more than the toys inside a shoebox, OUR love. It is that seed of love that changes perspective on life.

Please help my little & I hit this year’s goal of 400+ shoeboxes this year by supporting our "Shoe Boxes of Kindness". Over the next 6 weeks we will be putting together shoe boxes that have not only toys but key essentials we often take for granted. Each shoe box costs about $20 and our goal is to give 400+ kids Christmas this year! Every $1 counts. Even if it is just a simple prayer. Thank you so much for all the support. I am truly blessed to be supported by so many loving friends, co-workers, and family through this fundraiser!

If you would like to help in other ways such as building shoeboxes on your own (I have list of items we include in boxes by age group) or giving back in other ways please reach out to me directly!

For more information about Brighton Center Inc visit https://www.brightoncenter.com/contact: To create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership. They will achieve this mission by creating an environment that rewards excellence and innovation, encourages mutual respect, and maximizes resources.

For more information or interested in becoming a Big through Big Brother Big Sisters visit https://www.bigsforkids.org/volunteer.html: Being a Big Brother or Big Sister in Greater Cincinnati is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do and one of the most rewarding. Mentoring has a huge impact on the children we serve. 100% are in school, 99% are not involved with the juvenile justice system, 99% are substance-abuse free. Whether it is their Community or Site based program you will/can surely make an impact in a kids life!